Stormzy Launches Film Studio, Stars in Oscar-Directed Short

British rapper Stormzy has launched #Merky Films, a new film and TV production company aimed at championing fresh, powerful narratives and voices within British cinema. The company’s debut project is the short film "Big Man," produced in association with Apple and shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro. Directed by Oscar-winning Aneil Karia, the film stars Stormzy in his first lead acting role as Tenzman, a former rap star navigating a challenging phase in life, who forms a transformative bond with two young boys that reignites his passion for music. "Big Man" blends humor, vulnerability, and transformation, exploring themes of reconnecting with one's younger self and embracing gratitude, and will be released on YouTube on June 18. Beyond this, #Merky Films is developing various projects including a drama series, a biopic, documentaries, an animation project, and a boundary-pushing mockumentary, positioning itself as a platform for powerful British stories and unexpected art. Stormzy views this venture as a natural extension of his broader #Merky brand, which also includes a book imprint and sports scholarship, emphasizing his commitment to sharing stories and spotlighting important voices.